The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided Ukraine's state grid operator, Ukrenergo, with 86 million euros ($89.5 million) to protect the country's energy infrastructure from drone strikes, the EIB announced on Dec. 23.
The funding comes as Russia continues to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, testing Ukrainians' resolve as they endure another harsh winter. Earlier this month, Russia carried out one of its largest attacks on Ukraine's electric grid, with 90 missiles and 200 drones again targeted Ukraine's thermal power plants.
Anti-drone shelters will be constructed with the funding to protect electricity transmission equipment and make Ukraine's energy grid more reliable and resilient, the EIB said.
"This €86 million investment is an important step in fortifying Ukraine’s energy infrastructure against ongoing military aggression. By supporting Ukrenergo in constructing protective anti-drone shelters, we aim to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of electricity across the country," EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwinska said in a statement.
The investment marks the first measures in the EIB's Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan after being adopted in October, which is slated to up to 600 million euros ($624 million) in financing for emergency energy projects across public and private sectors.
"The enemy has already launched over 1,000 missiles and daily directs hundreds of drones at our power plants, substations, and power transmission lines," Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said in a statement. "Thanks to international support, particularly funding from the European Investment Bank and the European Commission, we are strengthening our ability to counter these challenges."
Amid Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, energy operators in Ukraine are forced to impose scheduled or emergency blackouts. Blackouts disrupt daily life and essential services.
Last March, Russia destroyed 80% of the thermal generating capacity of Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK, amid the third consecutive winter of energy attacks.
Tim Zadorozhnyy
